Environment and Parks ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT This business plan was prepared under my direction, taking into consideration the government’s policy decisions as of March 17, 2016. original signed by Shannon Phillips, Minister MINISTRY OVERVIEW The ministry consists of the Department of Environment and Parks, the Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund, Energy Efficiency Alberta, the Land Stewardship Fund and the Natural Resources Conservation Board. Within the department’s budget, funding is provided for the Land Use Secretariat, the Surface Rights Board, the Land Compensation Board, the Environmental Appeals Board and the Public Lands Appeal Board. All associated agencies, boards, commissions and delegated administrative organizations will undergo a review to ensure maximum benefit for Albertans. The Alberta Climate Change Office has been established to implement the Climate Leadership Plan. Six delegated administrative organizations which operate outside of government and are accountable to the minister are the Alberta Conservation Association, Alberta Professional Outfitters Society, Alberta Recycling Management Authority, Alberta Used Oil Management Association, Beverage Container Management Board, and the Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation. Albertans are proud of their environment, abundant natural resources and system of provincial parks and protected areas. These inspire people to discover, value, protect and enjoy the natural world and the benefits it provides for current and future generations. Alberta’s vision is for a healthy, clean and prosperous province where Albertans are leaders in environmental conservation and enjoy sustainable economic prosperity and a great quality of life. The ministry works with Albertans to ensure the province’s environmental, social and economic goals for the future are met. Strategic partnerships support the ministry in achieving its outcomes by providing collaborative forums to leverage resources, capacity and a shared responsibility for environmental stewardship. The ministry engages with Albertans to listen and to better understand the challenges involved in ensuring that Alberta’s natural resources are managed using innovative and responsible approaches. To ensure the sustainability of Alberta’s air, land, water and biodiversity, all Albertans will need to play a strong role. A more detailed description of Environment and Parks and its programs and initiatives can be found at www.aep.alberta.ca. ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS BUSINESS PLAN 2016 –19 49 STRATEGIC CONTEXT The outcomes and key strategies identified in this business plan are aligned with the strategic direction of the Government of Alberta. To improve Alberta’s reputation and grow its economy, it is time to take leadership on one of the world’s biggest problems – the pollution that is causing climate change. Albertans need protection from both the increase in frequency and severity of catastrophic events resulting from climate change and the negative health impacts of air pollution, especially from coal power generation. In light of lower oil prices, Albertans are looking to government to diversify the economy and create jobs by investing in a greener, more efficient economy. Alberta’s landscape also faces competing demands, so government’s decision-making processes must consider the cumulative social, economic and environmental impacts, in order to find balance. In addition to the ever-present development and population growth, outdoor recreational activities are also putting pressure on the province’s landscape. Effectively managing the impacts of outdoor recreation may also create an opportunity for expansion of recreation and tourism industries as part of a transition to a greener economy. To achieve cohesive, integrated and responsible resource management, effective policy development and implementation across all levels of government is needed. The government is committed to tackling the challenge of developing open and consistent management of data, records and information in response to Albertans’ expectations and empowering individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses to derive value from government information. In addition to these challenges, stakeholder engagement and communication with all Albertans are key to incorporating the roles and contributions of Albertans to the province’s success. Finally, there are a number of demographic changes in this province, such as increasing ethnic diversity and a large, young and growing Indigenous population. It is critical the Government of Alberta addresses the unique needs of these groups in order to ensure success for all Albertans, including the most vulnerable populations. OUTCOMES, KEY STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES Outcome One: Environment and ecosystem health and integrity Albertans care about the health and integrity of their environment and ecosystems and the ministry is committed to a renewed approach to conservation, biodiversity and ecological integrity. Productive relationships and strategic partnerships that include Albertans are needed to achieve clean air, quality water, sustainable water supplies, productive and sustainable lands, conserved natural landscapes and protected areas. The ministry works with strategic partners to conserve landscapes representative of Alberta’s natural regions, ecosystems and ecosystem services that protect biodiversity and provide habitat for common, vulnerable and endangered species. Direction to achieve outcomes is provided through legislation, policy, regional plans and frameworks, and is supported by education, outreach, authorizations and compliance programs as well as environmental trends and conditions monitoring, evaluating and reporting. Examples of ongoing ministry initiatives include identifying and recovering species at risk, the Land Trust Program and the Land Purchase Program which prevent habitat fragmentation, maintain biodiversity and preserve native landscapes. The ministry provides an environmental stewardship framework based on planning and policy and then regulates natural resource access, allocation and use. To protect and conserve Alberta’s air, water, land and biodiversity it is essential for businesses, non-governmental organizations, communities and individuals to comply with limits and requirements for pollutant emissions, water withdrawals, wastewater discharges, fish and wildlife harvest, species conservation and timely land reclamation and remediation. Ecosystem health and integrity will enable Alberta to meet environmental, economic and social needs for present and future generations. 50 ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS BUSINESS PLAN 2016 –19 Key Strategies: 1.1 Ensure environmental protection, conservation and ecosystem integrity by: • completing regional plan development focusing on the North Saskatchewan and Lower Peace regions; • implementing regional plans through management frameworks, sub-regional recreation and land disturbance plans and projects, and the establishment of multi-stakeholder forums; • developing and implementing air quality management action plans to address the Alberta: Air Zones Report 2011–13, which is based on Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards; • ensuring an improved approach to eliminating tailings ponds; • demonstrating how Alberta contributes to Canada’s international commitment to protect 17 per cent of terrestrial ecosystems under Target 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity; • developing woodland caribou range plans to meet species recovery requirements; • ensuring grazing lease objectives are communicated and monitored; • transitioning to an open-source environmental information system that supports access to scientific data and information on Alberta’s environmental conditions and trends; and • developing and initiating implementation of a land reclamation framework. 1.2 Demonstrate Alberta’s commitment to address climate change by working with the Alberta Climate Change Office as it leads the implementation of the Climate Leadership Plan. 1.3 Enhance Alberta’s provincial parks, in conjunction with the continued implementation of Alberta’s Land-use Framework, by: • leading initiatives to create new provincial parks, or to expand or reclassify existing provincial parks to help fill conservation, recreation and tourism gaps in the current Alberta provincial parks system; and • revitalizing and modernizing provincial parks legislation, including a revised provincial parks classification system. 1.4 Protect the Castle Special Management Area under provincial parks legislation and develop and implement a park management plan to ensure the area’s environmental values are effectively managed and enable naturebased recreational and tourism opportunities. 1.5 Participate in the government’s program and policy review for ways to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples objectives and principles. 1.6 Participate in the comprehensive review of Alberta’s agencies, boards and commissions to ensure they are performing to the maximum benefit for Albertans. Performance Measure 1.a Municipal solid waste to landfills: • Kilograms of municipal solid waste, per capita, disposed of in public and private landfills1 Last Actual 2014 Target 2016-17 Target 2017-18 Target 2018-19 6691 657 633 620 Note: 1 Data is corrected from 666 to 669 kilograms per capita. Linking Performance Measures to Outcomes: 1.a The amount of waste disposed in waste disposal facilities affects environmental and ecosystem health and integrity by deteriorating the quality of Alberta’s land, air and water and signals the amount of resources that have not been recycled or reused. This measure highlights the success in encouraging Albertans to reduce waste and tracks progress on reducing the amount of waste disposed of in waste disposal facilities, per capita. ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS BUSINESS PLAN 2016 –19 51 Performance Measures under Development: Measures for protected areas and Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan are under development to further reflect progress toward achieving outcome one. Performance Indicators Actual 2010 Actual 2011 Actual 2012 Actual (Year) Actual (Year) 93% 95% 97% 96% (2013) 97% (2014) 2.2% (2005) 3.6% (2010) 1.a Provincial air quality index: • Percentage of good air quality days in urban areas based on Alberta’s ambient air quality objectives for fine particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide1 Good ai r qual i ty days 1.b Species at risk • Percentage of vertebrate species including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish designated as ‘at risk’ 2 1.c Total greenhouse gas emissions3: • Total million tonnes of CO2 equivalents (greenhouse gas) emitted from major emission source categories 243 247 258 267 (2013) Notes: 1 The Air Quality Index reflects the overall averaged annual air quality of the province based on provincial ambient air quality objectives of five major pollutants: fine particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. The new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards, which focus on a three year average of the highest occurring concentration levels of two major pollutants: fine particulate matter and ozone, and the annual average of fine particulate matter for the province’s six air zones, complements the Air Quality Index. 2 Species at risk results are gathered by the provincial government, universities, colleges and expert biologists, and are reported federally once every five years as legislated by the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada. 3 Emissions are measured on a calendar year and there is a reporting lag period. Outcome Two: Sustainable economic diversification Albertans wish to generate economic diversification through a green economy that will improve human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. A green economy is one where growth in income and employment is driven by public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The Government of Alberta will utilize policy, regulations and economic instruments to catalyze and enable the growth and efficiency of a green economy through investment and development by Albertans in green sectors such as waste, water, renewable energy, ecotourism and outdoor recreation. The development of a green economy as detailed in Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan promotes the government’s bottom line of sustaining and advancing economic, environmental and social well-being now and into the future. Key Strategies: 2.1 Through the Climate Change Office, develop and implement energy efficiency initiatives that support Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan and drive economic diversification and job growth. 2.2 Support Alberta’s progress towards a green economy to create new jobs in agriculture, forestry, transportation and construction sectors by providing leadership on adoption of greener technology. 2.3 Ensure parks and conservation efforts are creating jobs in tourism and associated industries. Performance Measures under Development: Performance measures that reflect progress toward achieving outcome two are under development. 52 ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS BUSINESS PLAN 2016 –19 Outcome Three:Social well-being Albertans love their province and wish to maximize the social benefits a quality natural environment provides. To complement the overall mental and physical health benefits derived from a healthy environment and ecosystem, the ministry manages Alberta’s provincial parks systems land base, facilities and infrastructure, and access to public lands. Opportunities are provided for Albertans and visitors to explore natural landscapes, engage in nature-based experiences or outdoor recreational activities, and learn about Alberta’s natural heritage through the ministry’s many educational, interpretative and experiential programs. Additional outdoor recreational activities are provided through management of water reservoirs and fish hatcheries. These interactions enhance social well-being and quality of life while contributing to the provincial green economy through Alberta’s recreation and tourism industry. To ensure these opportunities continue to be available to future generations, the ministry will work with Albertans to protect and conserve the province’s air, land, water and biodiversity. Key Strategies: 3.1 Enhance Alberta’s provincial parks, in conjunction with the continued implementation of Alberta’s Land-use Framework, by: • addressing the commitment to provide modern facilities, high quality recreation experiences and conservation; • continuing to develop and implement strategies, including the Inclusion Strategy, Science Strategy and Visitor Experience Strategy, to enable Albertans of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience nature through Alberta’s provincial parks system; and • encouraging public participation in and support of Alberta Parks through a Provincial Parks Advisory Council and a Parks Conservation Foundation. 3.2 Develop and implement a recreation management strategy for Crown Lands that fosters outdoor recreation planning and management, and nature-based tourism, within a green economy.1 3.3 Initiate revision of the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Policy to address increasing and changing pressures. Note: 1 In this context “Crown Lands” refers to land under the administration of Environment and Parks pursuant to the Public Lands Act and the Provincial Parks Act and “nature-based tourism” refers to tourism that is undertaken largely or solely for the purpose of enjoying natural attractions and engaging in outdoor activities, whether for relaxation, discovery, or adventure (e.g. camping, bird watching, trail riding, downhill skiing, hunting, mountain biking, motorized recreation). Performance Measures 3.a Hunting and fishing licence sales1: • Percentage change of fishing licence sales compared to the previous year • Percentage change of hunting licence sales compared to the previous year 3.b Provincial park or provincial recreation areas visitation: • Percentage of adult Albertans who visited a provincial park or provincial recreation area in the last 12 months2 Last Actual 2014-15 Target 2016-17 Target 2017-18 Target 2018-19 5.2% ± 5% ± 4% ± 4% 3.7% ± 4% ± 3% ± 3% 28.4% 33.0% 33.0% 33.0% Notes: 1 Fishing licence sales were 280,425 in 2014-15, an increase of 13,827 from 2013-14, and hunting licence sales were 123,438 in 2014-15, an increase of 4,381 from 2013-14. These actual license sales numbers update the estimated figures provided in the Ministry Annual Report 2014-15. The targets provided estimate the annual percentage change based on historical averages and projected trends for license sales. 2 Percentage of adult Albertans who visited a provincial park or provincial recreation area in the last 12 months. The overall number of visits is expected to increase as the province’s population continues to grow. ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS BUSINESS PLAN 2016 –19 53 Linking Performance Measures to Outcomes: 3.a Nature-based activities provide social benefits to Albertans and foster communities that are engaged in environmental stewardship and responsible use of nature. The ministry issues hunting and fishing licences which provide opportunities for Albertans to engage in hunting and fishing and to connect with nature while developing an appreciation and respect for the outdoors and wildlife. Licensing also provides revenue for wilderness development and outdoor recreation management plus has indirect tourism and economic benefits. 3.b Albertans who visit provincial parks and provincial recreation areas managed by the ministry have opportunities for enjoyable and safe experiences in nature and a variety of nature-based outdoor recreation activities, which contributes to overall social well-being. Performance Indicator 3.a Park visitor satisfaction: • Percentage of Albertans who visited provincial parks or provincial recreation areas in the last 12 months, and are satisfied with the quality of services and facilities Actual 2013 Actual 2014 85.6% 86.4% Outcome Four:Protected public health and safety from environmental conditions and events As indicated by the science of climate change, catastrophic events such as floods, fires and drought will increase in frequency and severity. In addition, the negative health effects of air pollution, particularly from coal power generation, are now better understood, resulting in chronic respiratory conditions, hospital admissions, untimely deaths and a strain on the health care system. Environment and Parks has a role to play in protecting Albertans through the mitigation of climate change, CO2 abatement programs and significant investments in adaptation, including major infrastructure improvements for the city of Calgary and surrounding southern Alberta communities to avoid another catastrophic flood as experienced in 2013. Environment and Parks will work with Health, Municipal Affairs, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and other ministries and agencies to assure that the public is protected now and in the future from the adverse effects of environmental conditions and events. Safety and economic impacts from environmental emergencies are addressed by ministry prevention, mitigation, response and recovery measures. Drinking water facilities that require an approval or registration under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act are regulated. Ministry support is provided through education, training, planning, forecasting, assessment, coordination, grant funding to municipalities and First Nations, and the management of water infrastructure, wildlife interaction and environmental emergencies. Examples of this support include creation of the Alberta Climate Change Office, problem wildlife management, flood hazard mapping, flood recovery and mitigation by water operations infrastructure management, flood and drought funding programs and enhanced flow monitoring programs. Collaborative efforts by Albertans are key to assure protected public health and safety and to build resiliency to mitigate the impacts of catastrophic events. 54 ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS BUSINESS PLAN 2016 –19 Key Strategies: 4.1 Develop and implement plans and programs to anticipate and minimize impacts of major catastrophic events and to protect communities, including: • a framework to address invasive species in Alberta; and • a comprehensive flood mitigation plan to reduce community flood and drought vulnerability with: ›› an enhanced floodplain and flood hazard mapping program; ›› floodplain development regulations limiting future development in provincially-mapped flood hazard areas; ›› watershed-based structural flood and drought mitigation options; ›› local government level grant funding under the Alberta Community Resilience Program and Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program to mitigate future flood and drought events; and ›› enhanced flood and drought communication and communication tools. 4.2 Continue ministry facility and infrastructure recovery work arising from the 2013 southern Alberta floods. 4.3 Improve and maintain provincial park infrastructure and provincially-owned water management infrastructure to ensure public health and safety. 4.4 Develop a revised regulatory and governance approach to ensure safe and quality drinking water to all Albertans. Performance Measures under Development: The drinking water quality treatment measure is under development to reflect progress toward achieving outcome four. ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS BUSINESS PLAN 2016 –19 55 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (thousands of dollars) Comparable 2014-15 Actual 2015-16 Budget 2015-16 Forecast 2016-17 Estimate 2017-18 Target 2018-19 Target 13,274 8,453 8,453 685 685 685 6,230 2,384 96,113 244,118 362,119 4,554 40 104,432 163,984 281,463 4,554 39 106,087 166,913 286,046 3,154 44 110,255 172,380 286,518 2,054 43 109,798 217,483 330,063 2,054 43 110,741 988,584 1,102,107 (6,230) (4,554) (4,554) (3,154) (2,054) (2,054) 355,889 276,909 281,492 283,364 328,009 1,100,053 75,684 40,763 54,105 69,264 23,092 36,376 81,221 7,494 65,074 599 73,166 27,994 50,922 63,840 24,811 39,243 90,286 10,463 78,000 60,000 73,166 27,994 46,922 63,840 24,811 38,987 91,602 10,463 78,000 7,400 71,156 17,565 45,724 76,528 24,503 39,076 92,451 10,305 70,520 - 70,734 17,460 45,187 74,278 24,356 37,762 91,705 10,241 70,348 - 72,436 17,986 46,658 74,747 25,148 38,460 92,897 10,426 70,759 - 11,121 82,273 547,066 11,909 103,286 633,920 11,909 128,286 603,380 235,000 11,845 100,357 795,030 773,000 11,845 103,477 1,330,393 1,836,000 11,843 65,000 2,362,360 (512) (350) (350) (350) (350) (350) Consolidated Total 546,554 633,570 603,030 794,680 1,330,043 2,362,010 Net Operating Result (190,665) (356,661) (321,538) (511,316) (1,002,034) (1,261,957) 2,848 3,016 31 14,429 175 730 4,074 25,303 5,000 19,488 800 17 92,579 117,884 5,000 19,763 800 17 67,579 93,159 425 5,602 297 31,220 1,000 17 110,129 148,690 425 5,602 297 49,432 1,000 17 49,900 106,673 425 5,602 297 49,432 1,000 17 75,000 131,773 REVENUE Transfers from Government of Canada Internal Government Transfers Investment Income Premiums, Fees and Licences Other Revenue Ministry Total Inter-Ministry Consolidations Consolidated Total EXPENSE Ministry Support Services Air Land Water Fish and Wildlife Integrated Planning Parks Land Use Secretariat Science and Monitoring Climate Change and Emissions Management Climate Leadership Plan Quasi-Judicial Bodies 2013 Alberta Flooding Ministry Total Inter-Ministry Consolidations CAPITAL INVESTMENT Ministry Support Services Land Fish and Wildlife Parks Land Use Secretariat Science and Monitoring Quasi-Judicial Bodies 2013 Alberta Flooding Total 56 ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS BUSINESS PLAN 2016 –19